On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, WFAA reported that a contentious legal dispute has erupted between Cooke County District Attorney John Warren and District Judge Janelle Haverkamp. Warren has filed a motion seeking Haverkamp’s recusal from approximately 400 cases, alleging that she is biased against his office due to a longstanding vendetta connected to a murder case from 1997.

The conflict centers around the conviction of Michael Newberry, who was found guilty of capital murder and is currently serving a life sentence. Warren has indicated that he believes Haverkamp, during her previous role as district attorney, suppressed evidence that could have benefited Newberry’s defense. As a result, Newberry’s legal team is pushing for the overturning of his conviction based on these claims of misconduct.

In response to the allegations, Judge Haverkamp has already recused herself from around 120 cases and has requested an investigation by the Texas Rangers into Warren for purported criminal misconduct. The situation escalated in a hearing presided over by Administrative Judge David Evans, who will decide whether Haverkamp should also be removed from the remaining cases—comprising 231 criminal and 166 civil matters. A ruling on this issue is anticipated within the next ten days.

During the hearing, Haverkamp was notably absent, contrary to the requirements for recusal hearings. Eric Erlandson, Warren’s first assistant, testified about a confrontation with Haverkamp that occurred late last year. He recounted that she expressed anger upon learning that the District Attorney’s Office had aligned itself with Newberry’s attorneys. According to Erlandson, she was vocal about her displeasure and insinuated that she would not concede easily.

Warren submitted evidence from Haverkamp’s testimony given on February 4 in the Newberry case, where she claimed that Warren had taken the side of Newberry’s defense out of a “personal, political vendetta.” Following the hearing, Warren refrained from making any public comments, while Haverkamp has stated that she cannot discuss the matter publicly at this time.

The legal battle continues to unfold, with Visiting Judge Lee Gabriel expected to provide recommendations regarding whether Haverkamp improperly withheld evidence in the Newberry case. Ultimately, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will make the final determination on these matters, which could have significant implications for both the judge and the district attorney involved.

 

 

Source: WFAA